An FURIOUS Costco customer has slammed the retailer after his wife was turned away despite having a membership card.
Costco has come under criticism in recent months for its controversial membership policies.
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Customers use social media to express their complaints.
“So I had an experience at @Costco where my wife tried to pay for our groceries and they stopped her because we were using my Costco card,” the shopper wrote on X.
“I didn’t know I was shopping with @netflix.
“This whole membership sharing control is getting out of control. #boycottnetflix,” he said.
This year, Costco cracked down on membership sharing, and customers aren’t happy about it.
Even family members are not allowed to share their ID cards with each other.
This disgruntled shopper compared the policy to Netflix’s efforts to crack down on password sharing.
Netflix introduced a policy last year to reduce account sharing on its website.
Users were charged an additional fee of $7.99 per month to add another watcher to their account.
Customers seem concerned that Costco might go in a similar direction.
“We have gone too far,” said one.
Many other shoppers have had similar experiences and were turned away when using their parents’ or partner’s membership card.
“I had my mom’s Costco card and they made my life so difficult that they literally wouldn’t let me buy anything,” wrote one shopper.
“I left the car right there in the line.”
“Why is Costco acting like a police state?” said another.
Due to the strict policies, some shoppers have canceled their membership and made their purchases elsewhere.
“Honestly, Costco is no longer worth it,” said one shopper.
COSTCO PROBLEMS
And this is not the only complaint from Costco customers.
Others are worried about rising membership fees.
Costco Membership Sharing Policy
Costco has strict rules for shoppers to follow when using its membership and has cracked down on violations in recent years.
- Primary member use: Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. Sharing the card for purchases is not allowed because the photo on the card must match the person using it.
- Household card: Each primary member can add a free household cardholder who lives at the same address. That person will receive their own membership card and can shop independently at Costco.
- Guest policies: Members can bring up to two guests to Costco. However, only the member can make purchases. Guests must be accompanied by the member.
- Authorized cardholder: For an additional fee, you can add an authorized cardholder, such as a family member or friend who does not live at your address. This person will receive their own card and can make purchases independently.
Photo credit: Costco
In July, the retailer announced it would increase membership fees in September 2024.
The regular price increases from $60 to $65 per year.
The membership fee for the executive board will increase from $120 to $130 per year.
This has angered many who are already struggling with inflation and rising costs.
“My membership will be canceled on the renewal date,” said one buyer.
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